Released in 2020, Ori and the Will of the Wisps emerged as a shining example of what indie game studios can achieve when innovation, storytelling, and artistry are brought together. Developed by Moon Studios and published by Xbox Game Studios, this sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest expands on its predecessor’s foundations while carving its unique identity.
With its breathtaking visuals, heartfelt narrative, and finely tuned gameplay, this game has left an indelible mark on the gaming world. Let's delve deep into the intricacies of this modern classic and explore why it continues to captivate audiences globally.
The Legacy of Ori: A Brief History
The roots of Ori and the Will of the Wisps lie in its predecessor, Ori and the Blind Forest, released in 2015. The original game introduced players to the enchanting forest of Nibel, where they followed Ori, a guardian spirit, on a journey of love, sacrifice, and discovery. It was widely praised for its visual artistry, evocative soundtrack, and challenging yet rewarding gameplay.
Building on the success of its predecessor, Ori and the Will of the Wisps pushes boundaries with an expanded world, deeper mechanics, and a more emotionally resonant storyline. The developers ensured that this sequel stayed true to its roots while refining and expanding the experience. The transition from the Unity engine to a custom engine allowed for a leap in visual fidelity and performance, marking a significant milestone for Moon Studios.
The game’s legacy lies in how it redefined expectations for indie platformers, setting a benchmark for narrative-driven games.
Plot and Narrative
The story begins with Ori and their companion Ku, a young owl, setting out on a journey that takes them beyond the familiar bounds of Nibel to the sprawling and mysterious land of Niwen. Their bond is tested when Ku’s wing is damaged, and their exploration leads to a harrowing separation. Ori’s mission to reunite with Ku and restore balance to the decaying Niwen forms the crux of the narrative.
What sets Ori and the Will of the Wisps apart is its ability to weave a deeply emotional tale without relying heavily on dialogue. The game communicates its story through visual storytelling, evocative music, and subtle character interactions. Themes of loss, hope, and renewal permeate every moment, making the journey as emotionally enriching as it is visually stunning.
The introduction of new characters like Shriek, the primary antagonist, adds depth to the narrative. Shriek’s tragic backstory provides a nuanced perspective, showing that even antagonists are shaped by their circumstances. This layered storytelling elevates the game from a simple hero’s journey to a profound exploration of existence.
Gameplay Mechanics
Ori and the Will of the Wisps takes the core mechanics of its predecessor and enhances them significantly. The game falls into the Metroidvania category, where exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving intertwine seamlessly.
Exploration and World Design
Niwen is a vast and interconnected world, brimming with secrets, collectibles, and hidden areas. The world map is intricately designed, encouraging players to revisit previously inaccessible areas after unlocking new abilities. Every corner of Niwen is teeming with life, from bioluminescent fungi to vibrant waterfalls, making exploration a constantly rewarding endeavor.
Combat and Abilities
Unlike Ori and the Blind Forest, which featured relatively simplistic combat, this sequel introduces a revamped combat system. Players can wield a variety of weapons, including the Spirit Edge (a sword-like melee weapon) and the Spirit Arc (a bow). These weapons, combined with new abilities such as Bash and Burrow, allow for dynamic combat scenarios that require skill and strategy.
Upgrades and Customization
Customization plays a crucial role in shaping the player’s experience. Spirit Shards function as modifiers, allowing players to tailor Ori’s abilities to suit their playstyle. Whether you prefer an aggressive approach or a more defensive strategy, the game provides plenty of flexibility.
Graphics and Performance
One of the most striking aspects of Ori and the Will of the Wisps is its visual presentation. Every frame of the game feels like a work of art, meticulously crafted to evoke awe and wonder. The hand-painted environments, fluid animations, and dynamic lighting effects create a sense of immersion that few games can rival.
The transition to a custom engine enabled Moon Studios to push the boundaries of visual fidelity. Niwen is brought to life with unparalleled detail, from the shimmering waters of Luma Pools to the desolate sands of Windswept Wastes.
Performance Across Platforms
At launch, the game faced criticism for performance issues, including frame rate drops and bugs, particularly on the Xbox One. However, subsequent patches resolved most of these problems, ensuring a smoother experience. On the Xbox Series X/S, the game shines with enhanced visuals, running at 4K resolution with 120 frames per second. The Nintendo Switch version, while slightly pared down graphically, remains a marvel in its own right, showcasing the developers' technical prowess.
Soundtrack and Audio
A masterpiece in its own right, Gareth Coker’s soundtrack for Ori and the Will of the Wisps elevates the game’s emotional resonance. Each track is meticulously composed to mirror the on-screen action and narrative beats. From the hauntingly beautiful melodies of "Ku’s Theme" to the adrenaline-pumping battle scores, the music immerses players in Ori’s world.
The use of dynamic audio ensures that transitions between exploration, combat, and cutscenes feel seamless. Coupled with high-quality sound effects and voiceovers for key narrative moments, the audio design sets a gold standard for the genre.
Game Versions and Platforms
Ori and the Will of the Wisps has been released across multiple platforms, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience. The game debuted on Xbox One and Microsoft Windows, with later ports bringing it to the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X/S. Each version of the game offers unique features:
- Xbox Series X/S: Enhanced visuals, 4K resolution, and 120 FPS.
- Nintendo Switch: Optimized for handheld play with slight graphical downgrades.
- PC (Steam and Epic Games Store): Features ultrawide support, uncapped frame rates, and customizable settings.
- Cloud Gaming: Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for mobile devices and browsers.
Special editions, such as the Collector’s Edition, include exclusive artwork and a music CD, making them a treat for fans.
Multiplayer and Online Features
Unlike many modern platformers, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a purely single-player experience. It doesn’t include traditional multiplayer or cooperative modes, focusing instead on delivering an intimate and personal narrative journey. However, the game incorporates online leaderboards for Spirit Trials, a series of timed challenges scattered across Niwen. These trials encourage players to perfect their platforming skills and compete against others globally, adding an element of replayability for those seeking mastery.
While some fans might have wished for a co-op mode to explore the world of Niwen together, the absence of multiplayer doesn’t detract from the experience. Ori’s journey is deeply personal, and the single-player focus ensures that the emotional weight of the story remains unbroken.
Challenges and Limitations
No game is without its challenges, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps had its share at launch. Technical issues plagued early versions, particularly on the Xbox One, with frame rate drops, crashes, and input lag marring the experience for some players. Moon Studios swiftly addressed these problems with updates and patches, significantly improving the game’s performance.
The game’s difficulty curve can also be a barrier for newcomers. While the precision platforming and combat are rewarding, they demand patience and practice. For players unfamiliar with the Metroidvania genre, the lack of hand-holding might feel daunting. However, these challenges are part of what makes the game so satisfying to complete.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Ori and the Will of the Wisps received universal acclaim upon its release, with critics praising its breathtaking visuals, emotional narrative, and refined gameplay mechanics. It holds high ratings across major platforms, with players lauding its artistry and depth.
The game was nominated for and won numerous awards, including:
- The Game Awards 2020: Nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, and Best Action/Adventure Game.
- BAFTA Games Awards: Multiple nominations, including Artistic Achievement and Original Property.
- SXSW Gaming Awards: Winner of Excellence in Score and Music.
Its influence extends beyond its accolades, inspiring other indie developers to prioritize storytelling and artistry in their games. The success of Ori and the Will of the Wisps solidifies Moon Studios’ reputation as one of the most innovative studios in the industry.
Is It Worth Playing?
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a triumph of design and storytelling, appealing to both veterans of the Metroidvania genre and newcomers alike. Its seamless blend of exploration, combat, and narrative ensures a well-rounded experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Pros
- Stunning Visuals: A true work of art, with every frame worthy of being framed.
- Emotional Storytelling: A narrative that tugs at the heartstrings without relying on excessive dialogue.
- Refined Gameplay: Dynamic combat and platforming mechanics keep the experience engaging.
- Outstanding Soundtrack: Gareth Coker’s music enhances every moment of the game.
Cons
- Technical Issues at Launch: Early bugs and performance hiccups required patching.
- Steep Learning Curve: The challenging gameplay may not suit all players.
For anyone who appreciates immersive storytelling and masterful game design, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an essential addition to their library.
Game Details
- Genre: Platformer, Action-Adventure, Metroidvania
- Release Year: 2020
- Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows (Steam, Epic Games Store)
- Age Rating: E10+ (Mild Fantasy Violence)
- Game Ratings: Metacritic average: 88/100
- Modes: Single-player
- Online/Offline: Offline with online leaderboards
- Paid/Free: Paid (included with Xbox Game Pass)
- Developer: Moon Studios
- Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
- Game Engine: Custom Engine
Awards and Nominations
- The Game Awards: Nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Action/Adventure Game.
- DICE Awards: Winner of Outstanding Achievement in Animation.
- BAFTA Games Awards: Artistic Achievement and Technical Achievement nominations.
- SXSW Gaming Awards: Winner of Excellence in Music.
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements (PC)
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX-8350
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 950 or AMD R7 370
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 20 GB available space
Recommended Requirements (PC)
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD RX 570
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 20 GB available space
Our Rating
- Gameplay: 9.5/10
The dynamic combat and intricate platforming deliver a near-perfect experience. - Graphics: 10/10
Visually stunning and artistically unmatched. - Story: 9/10
Emotional and layered, though its silent storytelling may not appeal to all. - Soundtrack: 10/10
A masterpiece that enhances every aspect of the game. - Overall: 9.5/10
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a masterpiece that deserves its place among the greats. Whether you're a fan of platformers or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of gaming, this title is a must-play.